Top-notch orators took to the podium at Seven Hills Golf and Country Club as the local chapter of Toastmasters played host to the area speech contest recently.
Sixteen competitors from four clubs took part in two formats in a bid to progress to the next tier of competition, the Toastmasters Division-level competition in Nanaimo this weekend.
The top spots were taken by Melanie Bagley (60 Minutes Toastmasters in Courtney) in the International Speech Competition and Nancy Belliveau (Discovery Toastmasters in Campbell River) in the Evaluation Competition. Charlotte Melstrom of the North Island Toastmasters was third in the speech contest.
The local chapter, aimed at helping members improve communication and public speaking skills, meets weekly in Port Hardy. For more information contact Brian Scott at brianscott03@gmail.com or 250-288-3664.